Danish rockers Volbeat have just unveiled a mountain of details for their 2013 album, ‘Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies.’ Set for an April 9 release, the upcoming record is packed with stories of characters both real and fictional, while tapping the sonic talent of former Anthrax guitarist and new band member Rob Caggiano, as well as Danish legend King Diamond as one of many guest musicians.

‘Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies’ isn’t just a catchy album title, it’s a true look into the content of Volbeat’s fifth studio record. Characters found within the new Volbeat material include iconic historical figures such as Black Bart and lady outlaw Pearl Hart, as well as fictional personalities.

“It’s a new vibe for Volbeat,” says Volbeat main man Michael Poulsen. “You’ve got everything – the rockabilly stuff, the melodies, the ultra-heavy stuff, the Western motifs and the big rock songs. It’s everything that Volbeat are all about, but taken even further.” The frontman continues, “We came back from the U.S. after touring a lot over there, and isolated ourselves in our own homes for six months to finish off the album. That peace was something I needed. Even though it’s very inspiring to write on the road, it’s more comfortable to write at home.”

To gain inspiration for ‘Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies,’ Poulsen completely isolated himself from the outside world while watching old spaghetti westerns he had seen as a child with his father. “Sometimes it’s just about the right feeling – the scenery, the lines, the dusty look,” describes Poulsen. ”I have my own soundtrack when I see those kind of pictures.”

Along with guest appearances from harp player Paul Lamb, vocalist Sarah Blackwood, slide guitarist Anders Pedersen, banjo player Rod Sinclair on banjo and double bass player Jakob Øelund. As mentioned above, Volbeat also scored a cameo from legendary musician King Diamond, who provided vocals for the track ‘Room 24.’ “I’m a huge fan of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond,” raves Poulsen. “Having King on the record is a huge privilege. Normally, it’s not something he does. He wrote his own lines, and it is half my lyrics and half his. It’s a weird, scary story, and he’s the perfect person for it.”

Keep your ears open for Volbeat’s 2013 album, ‘Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies,’ which will become available on April 9.

-LOUDWIRE.COM

CATCH VOLBEAT TONIGHT AT THE 10TH ANNUAL SLINGING INK TATTOO FESTIVAL GOING ON AT THE FREEMAN!!! \m/